U.S. patent number 9,807,307 [Application Number 14/713,598] was granted by the patent office on 2017-10-31 for apparatus, method, and program for selecting image data using a display.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Sony Corporation. The grantee listed for this patent is Sony Corporation. Invention is credited to Kenichiro Imai, Kou Kobayashi, Tetsuo Morimoto, Katsuhiko Watanabe.
United States Patent |
9,807,307 |
Morimoto , et al. |
October 31, 2017 |
Apparatus, method, and program for selecting image data using a
display
Abstract
An image recording apparatus includes an image capturing unit
configured to capture an image of a subject, a recording unit
configured to record one of still image data and video image data
captured by the image capturing unit on a storage medium in the
form of an image file, a generating unit configured to generate a
management file used for managing the image file recorded on the
storage medium, and a registering unit configured to register an
identifier of the image file recorded on the storage medium in the
management file on a capture date basis in the order of capture
time.
Inventors: |
Morimoto; Tetsuo (Kanagawa,
JP), Watanabe; Katsuhiko (Saitama, JP),
Imai; Kenichiro (Kanagawa, JP), Kobayashi; Kou
(Tokyo, JP) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sony Corporation |
Tokyo |
N/A |
JP |
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Assignee: |
Sony Corporation
(JP)
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Family
ID: |
38193138 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/713,598 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2015 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20150249789 A1 |
Sep 3, 2015 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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13737281 |
Jan 9, 2013 |
9066016 |
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12948130 |
Nov 17, 2010 |
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11637685 |
Apr 19, 2011 |
7929029 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Dec 28, 2005 [JP] |
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2005-380371 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N
1/00453 (20130101); H04N 5/232939 (20180801); H04N
1/32112 (20130101); H04N 1/00458 (20130101); G11B
27/329 (20130101); H04N 1/00472 (20130101); H04N
1/212 (20130101); H04N 1/00461 (20130101); H04N
1/00435 (20130101); H04N 1/2112 (20130101); H04N
21/4334 (20130101); H04N 1/00413 (20130101); G11B
27/034 (20130101); H04N 5/85 (20130101); H04N
1/00427 (20130101); H04N 5/772 (20130101); H04N
1/00432 (20130101); H04N 5/907 (20130101); H04N
9/8042 (20130101); H04N 2201/3252 (20130101); H04N
1/00347 (20130101); H04N 9/8047 (20130101); H04N
2201/3225 (20130101); H04N 9/8205 (20130101); H04N
2101/00 (20130101); H04N 2201/3247 (20130101); H04N
2201/0087 (20130101); H04N 5/781 (20130101); H04N
2201/3226 (20130101); H04N 2201/3277 (20130101); H04N
9/7921 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H04N
5/232 (20060101); G11B 27/034 (20060101); H04N
1/00 (20060101); G11B 27/32 (20060101); H04N
1/21 (20060101); H04N 1/32 (20060101); H04N
5/77 (20060101); H04N 5/85 (20060101); H04N
21/433 (20110101); H04N 9/82 (20060101); H04N
9/804 (20060101); H04N 9/79 (20060101); H04N
5/907 (20060101); H04N 5/781 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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1417799 |
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May 2003 |
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1505394 |
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Jun 2004 |
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1610904 |
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Apr 2005 |
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1707479 |
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Dec 2005 |
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CN |
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11-215457 |
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Aug 1999 |
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JP |
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11215474 |
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Aug 1999 |
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JP |
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2000-270347 |
|
Sep 2000 |
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JP |
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2001119653 |
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Apr 2001 |
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2004032503 |
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Jan 2004 |
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2004187066 |
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Jul 2004 |
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JP |
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2004-227630 |
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Aug 2004 |
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JP |
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2005-027159 |
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JP |
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2005020070 |
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Jan 2005 |
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JP |
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2005033831 |
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Feb 2005 |
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JP |
|
2005-086737 |
|
Mar 2005 |
|
JP |
|
2005244614 |
|
Sep 2005 |
|
JP |
|
2005295374 |
|
Oct 2005 |
|
JP |
|
2005304058 |
|
Oct 2005 |
|
JP |
|
Other References
Office Action from Japanese Application No. 2005-380371, dated Jul.
15, 2010. cited by applicant .
Office Action from Japanese Application No. 2005-380371, dated Mar.
10, 2011. cited by applicant .
Office Action from Chinese Application No. 2012-10215310.6, dated
May 5, 2014. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Tran; Nhan T
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz
& Mentlik, LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
13/737,281, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.
12/948,130, filed on Nov. 17, 2010, which is a continuation of
application Ser. No. 11/637,685, filed on Dec. 12, 2006 (U.S. Pat.
No. 7,929,029), which claims priority from Japanese Patent
Application JP 2005-380371 filed in the Japanese Patent Office on
Dec. 28, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An image display apparatus comprising: one or more processors
configured to: control display, on a display, of a plurality of
thumbnail images including first thumbnail images and second
thumbnail images such that the first thumbnail images and the
second thumbnail images are displayed as separate groups, the
thumbnail images being displayed in a predetermined order based on
time information of creation corresponding to the thumbnail images,
wherein the time information corresponding to each of the first
thumbnail images is within a first time period and the time
information corresponding to each of the second thumbnail images is
within a second time period, and wherein the first time period and
the second time period are distinct time periods; control scrolling
the plurality of thumbnail images when the first thumbnail images
and the second thumbnail images are displayed on the display; and
control creating a playlist including at least one third thumbnail
image of the plurality of thumbnail images, responsive to an
operation to the display selecting a third time period, wherein the
time information corresponding to each of the at least one third
thumbnail image is within the third time period, and wherein the
third time period corresponds to the first time period.
2. The image display apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of
the plurality of thumbnail images is selectable by user input.
3. The image display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the time
information includes date and time of creating each of the
thumbnail images in the apparatus.
4. The image display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
predetermined order is ascending order of time of creation.
5. The image display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
thumbnail images displayed on the display includes a plurality of
pages of thumbnail images having a same time period.
6. The image display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more
processors is configured to control creating at least one of a
second playlist or album from the plurality of thumbnail images
displayed on the display.
7. The image display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
thumbnail images correspond to images at least one of captured at
or received over a communication network by the apparatus.
8. The image display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
one or more processors is configured to control: arranging the
thumbnail images having the time information corresponding to a
same time period in lines, and when a last line of the lines is
available for arranging the thumbnail images having the same time
period and there is no further unarranged thumbnail image having
the same time period, not displaying in the last line the thumbnail
images having the time information corresponding to another time
period different from the same time period.
9. The image display apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the
one or more processors is configured to control, when a location of
the last line is available for arranging the thumbnail images
having the same time period and there is no further unarranged
thumbnail image having the same time period, not displaying in the
last line the thumbnail images having the another time period
different from the same time period and leaving the location
blank.
10. The image display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
one or more processors is configured to control display of a
position of a currently displayed page of the plurality of
thumbnail images within a plurality of pages.
11. The image display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
one or more processors is configured to control changing a scroll
operation section to an active display state if all of the
thumbnail images having the time information corresponding to a
same time period cannot be displayed on a same page.
12. The image display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the third time
period is indicated on the display with at least one additional
time period distinct from the third time period.
13. The image display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the third time
period corresponds to a capture date indicated on the display.
14. The image display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the operation
is a touch or mouse operation.
15. The image display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality
of thumbnail images includes a plurality of third thumbnail images
having the time information within the third time period, and
wherein a number of the plurality of third thumbnail images in the
playlist is less than all of the plurality of third thumbnail
images.
16. The image display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality
of thumbnail images includes a plurality of third thumbnail images
having the time information within the third time period, and
wherein each of the plurality of third thumbnail images is in the
playlist.
17. An image display method comprising: controlling, by a
processing device, display, on a display, of a plurality of
thumbnail images including first thumbnail images and second
thumbnail images such that the first thumbnail images and the
second thumbnail images are displayed as separate groups, the
thumbnail images being displayed in a predetermined order based on
time information of creation corresponding to the thumbnail images,
wherein the time information corresponding to each of the first
thumbnail images is within a first time period and the time
information corresponding to each of the second thumbnail images is
within a second time period, and wherein the first time period and
the second time period are distinct time periods; and controlling,
by the processing device, scrolling the plurality of thumbnail
images when the first thumbnail images and the second thumbnail
images are displayed on the display; and controlling, by the
processing device, creating a playlist including at least one third
thumbnail image of the plurality of thumbnail images, responsive to
an operation to the display selecting a third time period, wherein
the time information corresponding to each of the at least one
third thumbnail image is within the third time period, and wherein
the third time period corresponds to the first time period.
18. A non-transitory recording medium recorded with a program
executable by a computer, the program comprising: displaying, on a
display, a plurality of thumbnail images including first thumbnail
images and second thumbnail images such that the first thumbnail
images and the second thumbnail images are displayed as separate
groups, the thumbnail images being displayed in a predetermined
order based on time information of creation corresponding to the
thumbnail images, wherein the time information corresponding to
each of the first thumbnail images is within a first time period
and the time information corresponding to each of the second
thumbnail images is within a second time period, and wherein the
first time period and the second time period are distinct time
periods; and scrolling the plurality of thumbnail images when the
first thumbnail images and the second thumbnail images are
displayed on the display; and creating a playlist including at
least one third thumbnail image of the plurality of thumbnail
images, responsive to an operation to the display selecting a third
time period, wherein the time information corresponding to each of
the at least one third thumbnail image is within the third time
period, and wherein the third time period corresponds to the first
time period.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus, a method, and a
program for recording an image and, in particular, to a method, and
a program for recording an image suitable for managing images
captured by, for example, a video camera.
Description of the Related Art
Existing video cameras employ a tape storage medium and
successively record captured images on the tape storage medium.
Accordingly, a user stores the images on a tape medium. To view the
images stored on the tape storage medium, the user needs to search
for a desired image by playing back the images in the order in
which they were captured.
In recent years, video cameras that record images on, for example,
a storage medium that allows random access (such as a hard disk)
have been introduced into market. In addition, to manage images
recorded in such video cameras, a technology is proposed in which
the images are divided into small groups based on a minimum unit of
data required for accessing the data (refer to, for example,
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
2000-270347).
According to such a management method, the maintenance of images
stored on the tape storage medium is not needed, and therefore, the
search for desired scene in the images by playing back the images
in the tape storage medium in the order in which they were captured
is not needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
However, since the users are not familiar with the grouping of the
images in such a management method, the users feel confused or
frustrated when editing the captured data.
Accordingly, the present invention provides an apparatus, a method,
and a program capable of managing files recorded on the storage
medium in a variety of aspects in a user-friendly manner.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, an image
recording apparatus includes image capturing means for capturing an
image of a subject, recording means for recording one of still
image data and video image data captured by the image capturing
means on a storage medium in the form of an image file, generating
means for generating a management file used for managing the image
file recorded on the storage medium, and registering means for
registering an identifier of the image file recorded on the storage
medium in the management file on a capture date basis in the order
of capture time.
Accordingly, this image recording apparatus can automatically group
image files on a capture date basis, which usually corresponds to a
personal event, for each type of image file. Consequently, this
image recording apparatus can manage the image files more
effectively than image recording apparatuses that simply manage the
image files on a scene-to-scene basis.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method
for recording an image includes the steps of (a) capturing an image
of a subject, (b) recording one of still image data and video image
data captured in step (a) on a storage medium in the form of an
image file, (c) generating a management file used for managing the
image file recorded on the storage medium, and (d) registering an
identifier of the image file recorded on the storage medium in the
management file on a capture date basis in the order of capture
time.
Accordingly, the method according to the embodiment can
automatically group the image files on a capture date basis for
each type of file. In general, personal events occur on the basis
of a date. Therefore, the image files can be effectively managed
compared with simply recording on a scene-to-scene basis.
According to still another embodiment of the present invention, a
program, executed by a computer, includes program code for
performing the steps of (a) controlling image capturing means to
capture an image of a subject, (b) controlling recording means to
record one of still image data and video image data captured by the
image capturing means on a storage medium in the form of an image
file, (c) generating a management file used for managing the image
file recorded on the storage medium, and (d) registering an
identifier of the image file recorded on the storage medium in the
management file on a capture date basis in the order of capture
time.
Accordingly, the program according to the embodiment can
automatically group the image files on a capture date basis for
each type of file. In general, personal events occur on the basis
of a date. Therefore, the image files can be effectively managed
compared with simply recording on a scene-to-scene basis.
According to the embodiments of the present invention, the
identifiers of image files recorded on a storage medium are
registered in a management file on a capture date basis in the
order of capture time. Consequently, the image files can be
automatically grouped on a capture date basis for each type of
file. In general, personal events occur on the basis of a date.
Therefore, the image files can be effectively managed compared with
simply recording on a scene-to-scene basis. As a result, an
apparatus, a method, and a program for recording an image can be
achieved that are capable of managing files recorded on the storage
medium in a variety of aspects in a user-friendly manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a video camera according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the structure of an image
management file;
FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the recording physical
structure of the image management file;
FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary selection screen;
FIG. 5 is a flow chart of the entry processing of a playlist on a
capture date basis;
FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating displayed images and a
process for registering a file in the playlist;
FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary edit menu screen;
FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary date selection screen;
FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary confirmation screen;
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a playlist screen; and
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an edit operation of the
playlist.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Embodiments of the present invention are described below with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
(1) Overall Configuration of Video Recording Apparatus According to
the Present Embodiment
FIG. 1 illustrates the overall structure of a video camera 1
according to the present embodiment. The video camera 1 includes a
control unit 2 for performing overall control of the video camera
1. The video camera 1 further includes an operation unit 3, an
image capturing unit 4, a recording/playback unit 5, a display unit
6, and a clock unit 7, each being connected to the control unit
2.
The control unit 2 is a computer including a central processing
unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM) storing a variety of programs,
and a random access memory (RAM) serving as a work memory of the
CPU. A variety of commands COM corresponding to user operations is
provided to the control unit 2.
The control unit 2 identifies the user operation on the basis of
the provided command COM and, subsequently, performs an operation
on the basis of the identified user operation and a program
corresponding to the identified user operation.
(1-1) Image Capturing Mode
More specifically, upon detecting a user operation to start
capturing video, the control unit 2 controls the image capturing
unit 4 and the recording/playback unit 5 to change the operation
mode of the video camera 1 to a video capturing mode until the
video capturing operation is completed.
In this case, the image capturing unit 4 captures the image of a
subject at a predetermined interval from the time the control unit
2 detects the operation to start capturing video to the time the
video capturing operation is completed so as to obtain image data
items DM1 to DMn (where n is an integer) and sequentially delivers
the image data items DM1 to DMn to the control unit 2.
The recording/playback unit 5 encodes the image data items DM1 to
DMn sequentially delivered from the image capturing unit 4 via the
control unit 2 in accordance with a predetermined encoding method,
such as the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) standard.
Thereafter, the recording/playback unit 5 records video files DMFx
(x=1, 2, 3, . . . m, where m is an integer), which are encoded
image data items obtained through the encoding operation, on a
storage medium SM mounted at a predetermined location of the video
camera 1.
In contrast, upon detecting the user operation to start capturing a
still image, the control unit 2 controls the image capturing unit 4
and the recording/playback unit 5 to change the operation mode of
the video camera 1 to a still image capturing mode.
In this case, the image capturing unit 4 captures the image of a
subject at the time when a user operation to capture a still image
is carried out and, subsequently, delivers image data DJ obtained
through the capture operation to the control unit 2. The
recording/playback unit 5 encodes the image data DJ delivered from
the image capturing unit 4 via the control unit 2 in accordance
with a predetermined encoding method, such as the Joint
Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) standard. Thereafter, the
recording/playback unit 5 records the encoded image data on a
storage medium SM in the form of a still image file DJFy (y=1, 2,
3, . . . 1, where 1 is an integer).
In this way, the control unit 2 can record an image captured at the
time performance of the operation to capture a still image is
instructed by a user or record an image captured during the period
from the time performance of operation to start capturing video is
instructed by a user to the time performance of operation to
complete capturing video (hereinafter, the image is referred to as
a "scene") is instructed by a user onto the storage medium SM in
the form of an individual file.
Here, each of the files recorded on the storage medium SM includes
date and time information generated by the built-in clock of the
control unit 2 at the time of image capture. Thus, even when the
video files DMFx or still image files DJFy recorded on the same day
are present, the control unit 2 can identify the order in which the
images were captured by referencing the capture times in the date
and time information included in the files.
(1-2) Playback Mode
Upon detecting instruction of the operation to play back a video
file or a still image file, the control unit 2 controls the image
capturing unit 4 and the recording/playback unit 5 to change the
operation mode of the video camera 1 to a playback mode.
In this case, the recording/playback unit 5 reads out a file IM
specified by the command COM received from the operation unit 3
from among the video files DMFx (x=1-m) or the still image files
DJFy (y=1-1) recorded on the storage medium SM.
Subsequently, the recording/playback unit 5 carries out the
decoding operation corresponding to the compression encoding method
on the readout file IM and delivers the decoded image data DR to
the control unit 2.
The display unit 6 digital-to-analog (D/A) converts the image data
DR sequentially delivered from the recording/playback unit 5 via
the control unit 2 so as to generate image signals. The display
unit 6 then displays images on a display screen on the basis of the
generated image signals.
Thus, the control unit 2 can play back the images of the video file
or the image of the still image file determined depending on the
user operation.
(2) Date Management Function
In addition to the above-described configuration, the video camera
1 has a function of managing images of the video files DMFx and the
still image files DJFy on the basis of capture date. In practice,
the video files DMFx and the still image files DJFy in the video
camera 1 are managed on a capture date basis using an image
management file.
(2-1) Structure of Image Management File
As shown in FIG. 2, the image management file has a layered
structure known as a tree structure, which has a root directory
called an "index root". The index root is the highest layer. As the
lower layers, this tree structure has a folder called an "original
root folder" (hereinafter simply referred to as an "original
folder") and a folder called a "favorite root folder" (hereinafter
simply referred to as a "favorite folder").
These root folder, original folder, and favorite folder are created
by the control unit 2 when no data are stored on the storage medium
SM, for example, when the storage medium SM is formatted or the
storage medium SM without any data thereon is mounted at a
predetermined mounting location.
A folder having a folder title in a date format (hereinafter
referred to as a "date folder") is stored in the original folder.
Storing of the date folder in the original folder is referred to as
an "entry". Folders that each store information about the files
recorded on the storage medium SM on the same date are entered into
the date folder in the order of oldest to newest for the scene.
Hereinafter, this folder is referred to as a "file information
folder".
More specifically, for the video files DMFx, the file information
folder includes path information to a thumbnail image that is a
reduced image of a representative image among a plurality of images
of the video files DMFx (see an arrow from the property file to the
thumbnail file shown in FIG. 3), path information to the video file
DMFx (i.e., information for accessing a video file entity), and
path information to attribute information about the video file DMFx
(not shown). In contrast, for the still image files DJFy, the file
information folder includes path information to a thumbnail image
of the still image file DJFy, path information to the still image
files DJFy, and path information to attribute information about the
still image file DJFy (not shown). Note that the path information
is only an example of information for accessing a variety of the
above-described information. The files and the information may be
identified using an identifier, such as a file number or a file
name.
In an example shown in FIG. 2, each of reference symbols "A", "B",
and "C" denotes a thumbnail image. Each of the folder titles
"Food", "Food 2", and "My Cat" denotes the file identifier. It
should be noted that the user can change these folder titles
through an edit operation.
In this way, the information (file information) about images
captured for a scene is sequentially entered into the original
folder on the basis of capture date in the order of oldest to
newest.
In the video camera 1, the "date" is used only for grouping the
file information and the file information is entered in the order
in which images are captured. Accordingly, even when the built-in
clock of the video camera 1 gains or loses time, a problem that
affects the management does not occur.
In contrast, the favorite folder includes two types of folder
selected from among one or more file information folders in the
lower layer of the date folder: a folder (hereinafter referred to
as a "video playlist folder") that stores information about the
video files DMFx selected to be continuously played back and a
folder (hereinafter referred to as a "still image playlist folder")
that stores information about the still image files DJFy selected
to be continuously played back. Like the root folder, these folders
are generated by the control unit 2 when no data are recorded on
the storage medium SM.
Link information to the file information folder corresponding to
the file selected to be continuously played back is sequentially
entered into one of these folders in the selected order.
In the example shown in FIG. 2, the link information to the file
information folder "My Cat" corresponding to the file stored in the
folder "2005/4/5" and the link information to the file information
folder "Food", which is one of the file information folders "Food"
and "Food 2" corresponding to the file stored in the folder
"2005/4/1", are entered in the selected order (i.e., "My Cat" first
and then "Food"). Additionally, only link information to the file
information folder "Food 2", which is one of the file information
folders "Food" and "Food 2" corresponding to the file stored in the
folder "2005/4/1", is entered in the still image playlist
folder.
Accordingly, in this example, when the images in the video playlist
folder are played back, the image groups of the video files DMFx
corresponding to "My Cat" and "Food" are sequentially played back
(i.e., "My Cat" first and then "Food"). In contrast, when the image
in the still image playlist folder is played back, the images
associated with the still image files DJFy corresponding to "Food
2" are played back.
As noted above, only the link information to files selected by the
user as files to be sequentially played back from among the link
information to files, each corresponding to one or more scenes
grouped on the basis of date, are entered into the playback folder
in the order of selection (i.e., in the order of entry) for each
type.
When physically recorded on the storage medium SM, the actual file
structure of the image management file is shown in FIG. 3. That is,
the image management file includes a property file, a thumbnail
file, and a meta data file. The reference relationship among
registered entries in the property file is schematically shown in
FIG. 2.
In this property file, an entry "#4" is related to a video
playlist. In this embodiment, the identifiers of the entries #21
and #24 for video files are stored in this entry. An entry "#5" is
related to a still image playlist. In this embodiment, the
identifier of the still image file entry #22 is stored in this
entry. In the entries for the video file and the still image file,
path information used for accessing the corresponding thumbnail
image (e.g., "A", "B", or "C") in the thumbnail picture file and
path information used for accessing the corresponding meta data
(e.g., "Food" or "My Cat") in the meta data file are stored.
Additionally, an entry "#20" stores the identifiers of the entries
for a video file and a still image file captured on "2005/4/1".
Here, the video file entry #21 and the still image file entry #22
are indicated by the identifiers. An entry "#23" stores identifiers
of an entry for a video file and a still image file captured on
"2005/4/5". Here, the video file entry #24 is indicated by the
identifier.
(2-2) Entry Processing
The entry processing for the above-described image management file
is performed by the control unit 2. This entry processing performed
by the control unit 2 (see FIG. 1) is described below for the date
folder, the file information folder, and the playlist folder.
(2-2-1) Entry Processing for Date Folder and File Information
Folder
When detecting that the video capture start operation or the still
image capture start operation is to be carried out, the control
unit 2 controls the image capturing unit 4 and the
recording/playback unit 5. In addition, the control unit 2 controls
the clock unit 7 to acquire the date on which the control unit 2
detects initiation of the start operation as data DT (hereinafter
referred to as "date data").
Here, the control unit 2 references the image management file
stored on the storage medium SM using the recording/playback unit
5. If a folder having a title name based on the date data DT is not
found, the control unit 2 creates a folder having a title name
based on the date data DT. In addition, the control unit 2 creates
a file information folder having a title name based on a default
character string. The control unit 2 then enters these folders in
the image management file.
However, if a folder having a title name based on the date data DT
is found, the control unit 2 creates only a file information
folder. The control unit 2 then enters this folder in the image
management file.
Note that if an image management file has not been recorded on the
storage medium SM, the control unit 2 creates a root directory, an
original folder, a favorite folder, a video playlist folder, and a
still image playlist folder on the storage medium SM as an initial
image management file.
In addition, after the entry operation of the file information
folder is made, if video data (i.e., image data items DM1 to DMn)
are delivered from the image capturing unit 4 in response to the
control of the image capturing unit 4, the control unit 2 reduces,
for example, the first image data DM1 to a predetermined image
size. This reduced image is used as a thumbnail image.
In contrast, if still image data (i.e., image data DJ) is delivered
from the image capturing unit 4, the control unit 2 reduces the
image data DJ to a predetermined image size. This reduced image is
used as a thumbnail image.
Subsequently, the control unit 2 stores the reduced image data
(hereinafter referred to as "thumbnail image data") in the file
information folder and also stores the file identifier of this
file.
In this way, the control unit 2 can automatically group the files
on a capture date basis for each type of file.
(2-2-2) Entry Processing for Playlist Folder
Upon detecting the entry operation to the playlist folder, the
control unit 2 controls the image capturing unit 4 and the
recording/playback unit 5 to display a selection screen CS shown in
FIG. 4 on the basis of the image management file recorded on the
storage medium SM.
More specifically, the control unit 2 starts entry processing of
the playlist folder (step SP0 shown in FIG. 5). First, the control
unit 2 displays menu items (i.e., "VIDEO", "STILL IMAGE", and
"PLAYLIST"). Simultaneously, the control unit 2 selects the "VIDEO"
menu item by default and displays a detailed video menu items in a
detail display section 10 used for displaying the details of the
selected menu item.
Subsequently, the control unit 2 displays one or more thumbnail
images stored in an image-related folder in the lower layer of the
date folder in an image display section 11, which is located in the
middle of the detail display section 10. In addition, the control
unit 2 displays the earliest date among the dates of the
corresponding date folders in a date display section 12, which is
provided above the image display section 11.
Furthermore, if all of the thumbnail images cannot be displayed in
the image display section 11 at the same time, the control unit 2
changes a scroll operation section 13 used for scrolling the
thumbnail images displayed in the image display section 11 from an
inactive display state, which represents an unusable state, to an
active display state, which represents a usable state.
Simultaneously, the control unit 2 displays the total number of
scrollable pages and the page number of the currently displayed
page in a page display section 14.
For example, suppose, as shown in FIG. 6A, seventeen scenes are
captured on some day (i.e., a date (1)) first, and then twelve
scenes are captured on a date (2). Thereafter, five scenes are
captured on a date (3). In such a case, the control unit 2 does not
display any image at the location for the nonexistent eighteenth
scene of the date (1), which is on the third page for the date (1),
instead of displaying the thumbnail image of the first scene of the
date (2). Thus, the space at that location is left blank.
Similarly, the control unit 2 does not display any image at the
location for the nonexistent sixth scene of the date (3), which is
on the first page for the date (3), instead of displaying the
thumbnail image of the first scene of the date (4) to be captured
later. Thus, the space at that location is left blank.
As noted above, by displaying the thumbnail images in the order of
oldest to newest on a capture date basis via the selection screen
CS, the control unit 2 can visually emphasize that the scenes are
displayed on a capture date basis (i.e., on an event-to-event
basis).
Thus, the control unit 2 switches the display of the detail display
section 10 between the "video" menu items and the "still image"
menu items in response to the user operation on the operation unit
3 (see FIG. 1), so that the user can select the entry in the video
playlist folder or in the still image playlist folder (step SP1 in
FIG. 5).
For example, upon detecting that the user has instructed setting of
a playlist by operating a menu button when the detail display
section 10 displays the video menu items, the control unit 2
determines that the entry of the video playlist folder is selected.
Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 2 displays an
edit menu screen EMS including three edit menu items "Select and
register image in the playlist", "Register images in playlist on a
capture date basis", and "Register all images in playlist", and a
selection cursor CL1 for selecting one of these three edit menu
items.
Here, upon detecting that the edit menu item "Register images in
playlist on a capture date basis" is selected, the control unit 2
determines that the video playlist folder is selected.
Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 8, by displaying a screen
(hereinafter referred to as a "date selection screen") CSD
including the list of the date folders entered in the lower layers
of the original root folder in the order of oldest to newest in the
detail display section 10 together with a selection cursor CL2 for
selecting the date, the control unit 2 allows the user to select
the date to be added to the video playlist folder (step SP2 in FIG.
5).
Thereafter, upon detecting that the selection operation of the date
has been carried out, the control unit 2 displays a confirmation
screen CSX shown in FIG. 9 in the detail display section 10 in
order to determine whether the control unit 2 is allowed to add the
image having the selected date to the playlist. Upon detecting
initiation of the operation to add the image to the playlist, the
control unit 2 sequentially creates the entries of the link
information to all the file information folders in the lower layer
of the date folder having the selected date of scene in the order
of oldest to newest in the video playlist folder (step SP3 in FIG.
5).
At that time, if link information to a different file information
folder has already been entered in the video playlist folder, the
control unit 2 creates the entry of the link information to be
entered next to the existing link information.
Additionally, as shown in FIG. 10, simultaneously with this entry,
the control unit 2 displays the detailed playlist menu items in the
detail display section 10 and displays a thumbnail image
corresponding to the selected date in the image display section 11
of the detail display section 10. Thereafter, the entry processing
of the playlist folder is completed (step SP4 in FIG. 5).
In the example shown in FIG. 6A, when the date (2) is selected, the
control unit 2 enters link information to the file information
folders having the date (2) in the video playlist folder in the
order of earliest time of the scene first, as shown in FIG. 6B.
Also, the control unit 2 displays the thumbnail images
corresponding to the date (2) in the detail display section 10 as a
playlist screen.
In contrast, upon detecting that the edit item "Select and register
image in the playlist" is selected, the control unit 2 prompts the
user to select the date to be added to the video playlist folder
via the date selection screen CSD (see FIG. 8). Thereafter, the
control unit 2 displays a selection cursor (not shown) for
selecting a thumbnail image having the selected date in the image
display section 11. Thus, the user selects individual thumbnail
images in the image display section 11. The control unit 2 puts
entries of the link information to the file information folders
corresponding to the selected thumbnail images in the video
playlist folder. Simultaneously, the control unit 2 displays the
selected thumbnail images in the detail display section 10 as a
playlist screen.
At that time, if link information to a different file information
folder has already been entered in the video playlist folder, the
control unit 2 creates the entry of the link information to be
entered next to the existing link information, as in the case of
"Register images in playlist on a capture date basis".
However, upon detecting that the edit item "Register all images in
playlist" is selected, the control unit 2 puts entries of link
information to all the file information folders in the lower layers
of the one or more date folders in the video play list folder in
the order of oldest to newest of the scene. Also, the control unit
2 displays all the thumbnail images in the detail display section
10 as a playlist screen.
At that time, if link information to a different file information
folder has already been entered in the video playlist folder, the
control unit 2 creates the entry of the link information to be
entered next to the existing link information, as in the case of
"Select and register image in playlist".
Additionally, if the control unit 2 detects that the entry
operation of the playlist is carried out after the "video" menu
items has been changed to the "still image" menu items in the
detail display section 10, the control unit 2 puts entries of link
information to the selected file information folder in the still
image playlist folder, as in the entry operation relating to the
"video".
In this way, the control unit 2 can further categorize the files
automatically grouped on a capture date basis into different groups
in response to performance of the selection operation instructed by
the user. That is, in addition to an image-to-image basis and an
all-image basis, the group can be created on a capture date basis,
which is suitable for remembering a personal event, for each type
of file.
Accordingly, for the video camera 1, the user can group the files
on an event-to-event basis using a date. In addition, the user can
further group the files that the user frequently wants to view.
Thus, the user can select and keep the files for the event that the
user frequently wants to view. However, the user can also keep the
other files for the event just in case the user wishes to view
them.
(2-2-3) Edit Operation of Playlist Folder
The edit operation of a playlist folder performed by the control
unit 2 is described next. However, since the edit operation of a
still image playlist folder is similar to that of a video playlist
folder, only the edit operation of a video playlist folder is
described here.
Upon detecting that the edit operation of a video playlist is to be
carried out, the control unit 2 displays menu items "video", "still
image", and "playlist". In addition, the control unit 2 displays
detailed playlist menus in the detail display section 10, as shown
in FIG. 11. Note that the same reference numerals are used in both
FIGS. 3 and 11 to identify the same elements.
Subsequently, the control unit 2 displays one or more thumbnail
images stored in a file information folder entered in the video
playlist in an image display section 11, which is located in the
middle of the detail display section 10, in the order of earliest
entry first. In addition, the control unit 2 displays the selection
cursor CL2 for selecting one of the thumbnail images.
For example, if the first entry of the video playlist is based on a
capture date basis, the control unit 2 displays thumbnail images
stored in the file information folder, which is entered on a
capture date basis, in the image display section 11. At that time,
if all of the thumbnail images cannot be displayed in the image
display section 11 at the same time, the control unit 2 changes the
scroll operation section 13 to an active display state and displays
the total number of scrollable pages and the page number of the
currently displayed page in the page display section 14.
For example, in FIG. 11, eleven thumbnail images indicated by the
link information in the first entry of the video playlist folder
are shown. As can be seen from FIG. 11, the control unit 2 does not
display any image in a space corresponding to the twelfth image
position on page 2 in the image display section 11, instead of
displaying the thumbnail image indicated by the link information in
the second entry of the video playlist folder. Thus, the space at
that position is left blank. In this way, the control unit 2
visually emphasizes that the thumbnail images are displayed on a
capture date basis while displaying the thumbnail images in the
order of oldest to newest.
At that time, upon detecting that a delete operation is to be
carried out, the control unit 2 deletes the link information to the
file information folder corresponding to the thumbnail image
selected by means of the selection cursor CL2 from the video
playlist folder.
In contrast, upon detecting that a change operation of the entry
order is to be carried out, the control unit 2 prompts the user to
select two thumbnail images to be exchanged by means of the
selection cursor CL2. Thereafter, the control unit 2 changes the
entry orders of the link information corresponding to the selected
thumbnail images.
Thus, the control unit 2 can edit the files grouped for successive
playback in response to the selection operation performed by the
user.
In this way, for the video camera 1, the user can further
categorize the files grouped on a capture date basis for each
personal event into different groups of files that the user
frequently wants to view. Furthermore, by appropriately changing
the order in which the files are played back or deleting the file,
the user can view the video that matches their preference.
Here, for example, suppose a user shoots a video at personal events
such as an athletic meet and a Christmas party using the video
camera 1. In this case, the captured images (scenes) are
automatically grouped on the basis of the date (the date of the
athletic meet or the date of the Christmas party) in the order of
oldest to newest. After the scenes are captured, the user can group
the images corresponding to the scenes that contain their child as
images to be successively played back and appropriately edit the
images. Thus, the user can view successively played back images
(i.e., video) that mainly shows their child.
(2-2-4) Transfer Process of Playlist
The transfer process of a playlist performed by the control unit 2
is described next. However, since the transfer process of a still
image playlist folder is similar to that of a video playlist
folder, only the transfer process of a video playlist folder is
described here.
Upon detecting that the transfer operation of a video playlist is
to be carried out, the control unit 2 references the targets
indicated by the link information in all the entries of the video
playlist folder so as to arrange the thumbnail images stored in the
file information folders in the order of selection. Thus, the
control unit 2 generates display data shown in the image display
section 11 of FIG. 11.
Subsequently, the control unit 2 transmits the display data
together with the video files DMFx corresponding to the thumbnail
images of the display data to, for example, a personal computer via
an interface (not shown). The display data can be used as
information items of the personal event on a web page or index data
when a video is recorded on a digital versatile disc (DVD).
As noted above, the control unit 2 can transfer the display data
used for information items of the personal event on a web page or
index data when a video is recorded on a digital versatile disc
(DVD) to, for example, a personal computer that edits the video on
the basis of the playlist.
(3) Summary
In the above-described configuration, the video camera 1 records an
image captured when a still image capture operation is carried out
on the storage medium SM as a still image file DJFy (see FIG. 1).
In addition, the video camera 1 records a plurality of images
captured from the time when a video capture start operation is
carried out to the time when a video capture end operation is
carried out on the storage medium SM as a video file DMFx (see FIG.
1).
Here, the video camera 1 has a function of making an entry (see
FIG. 2) of the identifier of the video file DMFx or the still image
file DJFy on a capture date basis in the order of capture time each
time the file is recorded on the storage medium SM.
Accordingly, the video camera 1 can automatically group the files
on a capture date basis for each type of file. In general, personal
events occur on the basis of a date. Therefore, the files can be
effectively managed compared with simply recording on a
scene-to-scene basis. Thus, the ease of use at a playback time can
be increased.
Furthermore, in the image management file, the file identifier of a
file and the thumbnail image of the file are entered on a capture
date basis in the order of capture time. In addition, the video
camera 1 has a function of displaying the selection screen CS (see
FIG. 4) for selecting the files recorded on the storage medium SM
on a capture date basis using the thumbnail images and the edit
menu screen EMS (see FIG. 7) on the display unit 6. This function
allows the identifier of the video file DMFx or the still image
file DJFy having the date that is the same as the date selected via
the displayed screen and the thumbnail image corresponding to the
file to be entered in the order of selection.
Accordingly, the video camera 1 can further categorize the files
automatically grouped on a capture date basis into a different
group in response to the selection operation performed by a user.
Therefore, the user can effectively manage the files while keeping
the management on the basis of a date. Thus, the ease of use at a
playback time can be further increased.
Additionally, since the video camera 1 stores the thumbnail images
in the image management file, the control unit 2 can decrease the
time required for finding the desired thumbnail image compared with
the design in which the thumbnail images are placed in an area
other than the image management file. As a result, the video camera
1 can decrease the time required for displaying the selection
screen CS (see FIG. 4) on the display unit 6 on the basis of the
thumbnail images. Thus, the time a user is required to wait before
the screen appears can be decreased.
Furthermore, the video camera 1 has a function of deleting some of
the identifiers and thumbnail images having a predetermined date
and being entered in the order of selection in response to
performance of the selection operation instructed by the user.
Alternatively, the video camera 1 has a function of changing the
order of selection.
Accordingly, the video camera 1 can edit the files grouped in
accordance with performance of the selection operation instructed
by the user. Thus, the user can further manage the files depending
on the user's preference.
According to the above-described configuration, each time the video
file DMFx or the still image file DJFy is recorded on the storage
medium SM, the identifier of that file is entered (see FIG. 2) in
the image management file on a capture date basis in the order of
capture time. Therefore, the video camera 1 can automatically group
the files on a capture date basis for each type of file. In
general, personal events occur on the basis of a date. Therefore,
the video camera 1 can effectively manage the files recorded on the
storage medium SM so as to be friendly to users.
(4) Other Exemplary Embodiments
In the above-described exemplary embodiments, when the edit item
"register images in the playlist on a capture date basis" is
selected in the edit menu screen EMS (see FIG. 7), the date
selection screen CSD (see FIG. 8) of the entered date is displayed.
Thereafter, it is asked whether an image having the date selected
via the date selection screen CSD is added to the playlist using
the confirmation screen CSX (see FIG. 9). However, the present
invention is not limited thereto. Alternatively, when the selection
operation is performed, it may be considered that the date
displayed in the date display section 12 at that time is selected.
Thus, it may be asked whether an image having that date is added to
the playlist using the confirmation screen CSX (see FIG. 9).
Additionally, in the above-described exemplary embodiments, one
video playlist and one still image playlist are created in the
lower layer of the favorite folder in the image management file
(see FIG. 2). However, the present invention is not limited
thereto. Alternatively, these playlists may be created in response
to the setting operation performed by a user.
More specifically, before the control unit 2 makes an entry in the
file information folder in the video playlist folder or the still
image playlist folder, the control unit 2 may display a screen on
the display unit 6 for prompting a user to select whether the
existing playlist or a newly created playlist is entered. On the
basis of the selection result, the control unit 2 can make the
entry in the target file information folder.
In this way, a playlist that further meets the user's preference
can be created compared with the above-described embodiment in
which the playlist is simply separated depending on the type of
file.
Furthermore, in the above-described exemplary embodiments, the
present invention is applied to the video camera 1. However, the
present invention is applicable to a variety of image recording
apparatuses, image playback apparatuses, or image
recording/playback apparatuses having a function of processing an
image. Examples of such apparatuses include a personal computer, a
personal digital assistant (PDA), a hard disk recorder (HDR), and a
digital still camera.
It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various
modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may
occur depending on design requirements and other factors insofar as
they are within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents
thereof.
* * * * *